How To Buy a Foreclosure Property
Buying a foreclosed home is easy, right? After all, they sell for pennies on the dollar, right? Well, that could be a false assumption. Buying a foreclosed property appears easy on TV, but in reality, it can be overwhelming.
Foreclosure sales continue to decline in the market from 38.6 percent in 2011 to 14 percent in 2017 but ticking up a bit in 2018 according to Attom Data Solutions, a national property data company. As foreclosure sales drop, competition for these properties becomes stiffer and more complex. And as home prices increase in most cities, buyers often turn to foreclosures as affordable alternatives for landing their dream home
Foreclosures usually occur when homeowners can no longer pay their mortgages and the mortgages seize the properties. Once former owners vacate the properties, lenders typically put them on sale at discounted price or auction to the highest bidder.
Foreclosures give homebuyers the opportunity to get great deals. While foreclosures can save you thousands of dollars, it may come with risks. Having a stomach of steel can help when pursuing a foreclosure.
To mitigate the risks involved, keep the following hacks and tricks in mind.
Budget Carefully
Don't allow a small price tag to entice you into a quick deal. Ask yourself the following: Do you have sufficient dollars for extensive repairs? Do you have a team ready for any required repairs or are you handy at doing them yourself? Can you find a tenant if you intend to rent?
If you conduct thorough research, you'll minimize the risks.
Get A Home Inspection Though foreclosures are usually sold "as is", you need to know the property deficiencies. The home seller can allow you to bring in a competent home inspector. Your inspector will give you a list of what the property lacks and the cost estimates needed to complete the renovations. You may even want to hire a home inspector after purchasing a foreclosure just to get a thorough review of the property.
Ask For Vacancy Duration
Ask how long the house remained vacant. In most cases, long vacancy means more damage. For example, plumbing seals may dry out, bugs get into the house and sewer gases back up.
Don't Ignore Landscaping
Neglected landscaping contributes to house deterioration. Tree seedlings grow roots into the foundation and vines crawl into the windows. Small trees can also mess up pavers, and dead branches can break and crash into the house.
Be Cautious with Auctions
Although auctions are common with foreclosures, it's best to avoid them. And if you can't, be vigilant when bidding. Competitive bidding can raise the value so high that you end up losing money after the cost of repairs.
It's always best to work with your trusted local real estate professional to find foreclosure properties. They are experienced in determining the quality of the property and can help you through the tenuous foreclosure purchase process.
Another key partner is a trusted mortgage advisor with Bond Street Mortgage. If your good credit and pre-approval are in place, you will be on your way to making an offer as soon as the right property comes along.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not necessarily; while foreclosures can offer discounts, they may not always sell for pennies on the dollar, and competition for these properties has increased as foreclosure sales have declined.
Foreclosures usually happen when homeowners can no longer pay their mortgages, leading lenders to seize the properties and sell them at discounted prices or auctions.
No, foreclosure properties are typically sold "as is," so it's important to get a home inspection to understand any deficiencies and estimate repair costs.
Buyers should budget carefully, ensuring they have enough funds for potential repairs and consider whether they have the skills or team to handle renovations.
Conduct thorough research, get a professional home inspection, ask about vacancy duration, and prepare financially to handle repairs and other potential challenges.
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